More paintings, Poldark scything...and other things

 While we were at The Usher Gallery, looking at the BP portraits exhibition, we also had a wander round some of the rooms, and this watercolour, painted in 1828, was one which I was very pleased to see.  It is by Joseph Mallord William Turner and is of Stamford, Lincolnshire, which was my home for a good few years.  The church which can be seen is St Martin's, which is where I was a chorister for fourteen years and also where Chris and I were married.  It was lovely to see the original watercolour, rather than a print.

This painting caught my eye with the impressionist background of the cornfield.  It is called 'The Mowers' and is by George Clausen.  It was painted in oils in 1891.  I couldn't help thinking of Mr Turner as Poldark; even though I didn't watch the series, I couldn't help but hear about that scything scene.  

(photo from Radio Times - for all you Poldark lovers)

I also read about some historical inaccuracies in both Poldark and Victoria.  Apparently, anyone scything would never remove their shirt - it just was not done.  As you can see in the painting, all men are fully clothed! 

Out on the landing, we spotted this chest which had gold painted decoration (we think) of rather wonderful people, beasts and foliage.  I especially liked the border. There were no details, so the maker will have to remain a mystery.

This light caught our attention too - well, you couldn't fail to see it, as it was quite large.  It is made of lots of plastic items and we thought how clever it was to make something ubiquitous into something rather beautiful.  However, when we read the information, it became something more thought provoking as all the pieces of plastic were picked up along the British coastline.  That is not a nice thought, is it?  Unfortunately, I didn't note the artist's name, so there's another reason to go back.